Cleaning and Caring for Granite Countertops

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed)
Oct 27th 2009 at 4:02PM

Granite countertops add beauty, functionality, and value to a home. But because granite is a natural product, it requires special care to protect it and keep it looking its best.

To be sure granite countertops stay in nice condition after a hard day's work, take a few minutes every evening to clear them of clutter and gently wipe them down. Usually a soft cloth or sponge with hot water will be enough, but for a little extra cleaning power, a specially formulated stone cleaner can be used. Look for eco-friendly or "green" cleaners, as these will be gentle yet still effective.

To clean a splatter, first remove the dried-on food with a razor blade. Then wet the surface with your usual granite cleaner, or this DIY, inexpensive, safe one: equal parts water and alcohol in a spray bottle. Gently scrape along the surface to remove any remaining dirt. Use a soft sponge to wipe, then buff dry to a shine with a soft cloth.

Do not clean granite with acidic ingredients such vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice, as they can be abrasive, and avoid obviously abrasive products such as scrubs and steel wool pads. Also avoid cleaning products that contain bleach, degreasing substances, or ammonia. Dish soap should be used sparingly, because it eventually will dull the countertop appearance.

Avoid dropping hard items on granite countertops, as the countertop may nick or chip. And while you can place a hot pot or pan on granite, try to avoid doing so, as it may leave a mark.

Granite countertops should be sealed biannually for more protection. The Marble Institute of America is a good source for all things stone.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

DJ Oct 27th 2009 5:33PM

Having had granite coutertops for over 15 years, I think I can safely offer a little guidance here.

The absolute BEST way to clean them is to use a small amount of Dawn liquid, very hot water and a soft cloth. I know this is contrary to what was stated above but it works. The Dawn will remove all of the harmful oils and dirt. Once clean, use a clean wet cloth to remove any residue and then apply a daily/weekly granite polish/sealer, many of which can be found in discount or hardware stores. You will have a good as new mirror shine. And as stated above, use a sealer on an annual basis.